Simon Bridges National Party MP simonbridges.co.nz

Many will have heard by now that last week I announced I am retiring from politics and will leave Parliament in the coming weeks.

It's been my privilege to have been the MP for Tauranga since 2008, a Cabinet Minister and Leader of the National Party. I've enjoyed every minute of it, but for me, at age 45, it's time.

I love the National Party and this year I will have been a member for 30 years. National has momentum heading into the next election and is in the safe hands of Christopher Luxon.

I'm excited about the future and exploring commercial opportunities, but most importantly, my wife Natalie and children Emlyn, Harry and Jemima are ready to have more family time. My eldest two turned 10 and eight last week, and I want to give them the best of me.

While I'm proud of the various large-scale projects I oversaw here and across the country as a cabinet minister, some of my fondest memories during the past 14 years are of helping many here in Tauranga personally with their specific issues. Whether that's been helping families with surrogacy or adoptions, getting a family into housing, or helping individuals get the surgeries and medical treatments they deserve – these local advocacy issues have been very rewarding.

Thank you to the many of you who've made my journey so far so special.